Oil Charge

Dave in Texas on Wed July 14, 2010 4:18 PM

I need to add an ounce or 2 of oil to my 14+yr R12 system compressor. Before I install, I want to ask about Feeze12 oil charge. This is available at local parts stores. Freeze 12 uses the same mineral oil that R12 does. I can buy the regular small can R12 oil charge, but by the time I pay some outrageous price and shipping, it gets pretty expensive. The oil-injectors are equally overpriced for a one-time use. The Freeze 12 oil charge is a 4oz can with mineral oil for about $6 here. Would the small amount of the Freeze 12 gas in the can would be detrimental to the existing R12 charge? Would it be a better procedure to vent the Freeze 12 and just install the oil in the can? Thanks for any helpful advice or a better idea. I appreciate it.

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At 2, I went home with a 10. At 10 I woke up with a 2 !!

Edited: Wed July 14, 2010 at 5:14 PM by Dave in Texas

TRB on Wed July 14, 2010 7:35 PM

Freeze 12 has R134a and something else in it. Been so long since I even thought about that stuff. Back on point, you would contaminate your R12 if you added that to the system.

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Cussboy on Wed July 14, 2010 11:11 PM

Why do you think you need to add 2 oz. oil?

Anyway, I'd go with R-12 oil/cans in your case, see http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=r-12+oil&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Dave in Texas on Thu July 15, 2010 1:38 AM

Why? Well it's 14yrs+ in use. My system capacity is 48oz R12/10oz oil. May '05 added 1/2can R12. Jun '08 added 1 can. Added 1 can yesterday. Oil residue showing at the service ports on the compressor and the accumulator fitting to the evaporator. There is no way, other than taking the system down, to measure oil level in the system. I'm thinking after 14+ yrs some oil would be needed. The compressor isn't 'quiet' anymore. I'm pretty sure it was a reman unit, but '96 was a long time ago. I know about ebay. A 4oz can of R12 & oil is $20 with shipping.

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At 2, I went home with a 10. At 10 I woke up with a 2 !!

Dave in Texas on Thu July 15, 2010 11:11 AM

Hmmm......I've since learned that Freeze 12 does not contain mineral oil, but ester oil. The claim that it will be compatible/mix with mineral oil is b.s. and doesn't seem to be true according to the link called: Alternative Refrigerant mineral oil miscibilities which shows what is what. I paid the $20 for the R12 oil charge....as galling as that is for me.

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At 2, I went home with a 10. At 10 I woke up with a 2 !!

Edited: Thu July 15, 2010 at 11:29 AM by Dave in Texas

Dave in Texas on Thu July 22, 2010 12:41 PM

Added can of R12 oil-charge($20) and the compressor is less noisy now. Oddly enough I was not asked to send a copy of my 609 or sign any compliance form. Does not indicate anywhere on the Interdynamics can(pt#OC-1) it contains R12, but the ad description says it does. System performing well now...in low 40s and cycling within spec. Maybe another season or two left on the old York.

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At 2, I went home with a 10. At 10 I woke up with a 2 !!

Cussboy on Thu July 22, 2010 2:39 PM

I remember even after R-12 was pulled (or sold out) from store shelves after the regulations change, stores still had those small cans out on their shelves. So I think they were exempt because the amount of R-12 was so low.